§ Mr. E. H. CARLILEasked the President of the Board of Education whether a scheme for the formation of an education authority for the borough of Southend has been submitted to him; whether it con- 26 tains a proviso that no clergyman or minister of religion is to be co-opted as a member; and, if so, whether he will defer his approval of this proviso until public opinion in Southend has been tested in regard to it?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe draft of a scheme containing the proviso referred to has been submitted to the Board. Before the Board's approval is given steps will be taken to give publicity to the provisions of the proposed scheme in accordance with Section 17 (6) of the Education Act, 1902, and any objections or suggestions which may be received will be duly considered.